Renascence Episode 6 Recap
> Renascence Recap
In the imperial prison, a guard presented evidence to Emperor Ye Hongyi, confirming that poison was found in Lady Li's palace. Lady Li, despite her pleas of innocence and claims of being misled by a maid, was confronted by Ye Hongyi, who reminded her of the Empress's kindness towards her, even after past punishments. He accused Lady Li of repeatedly harming the Empress.
Lady Li vehemently denied previous poisoning attempts, asserting she was only involved this one time and was unaware the herbs were poisoned. Her maid, however, confessed under duress, admitting everything. A deeper investigation revealed that Lady Li's family supplied imperial herbs. The seemingly high-quality mulberry mistletoe, intended to secure the Empress's fetus and nourish her liver and kidneys, was found to be soaked in deadly poison nut extract.
The culprit had cleverly targeted the Empress, knowing she was the only one in the harem carrying a child, ensuring the poisoned herbs would reach her. A eunuch from the herbal storehouse testified that Lady Li had specifically requested the finest herbs for the Empress's pregnancy. Lady Li, attempting to deflect blame, then accused Consort Shu of instigating her to ensure good herbs were sent, fearing implication if the quality was poor.
Enraged by her continuous defiance and false accusations, Ye Hongyi ordered the extermination of her entire family. A decree announced Empress Yao Moxin's unfortunate passing, ordering Prince Su, Ye Junqing, and the Yao family to the palace for the funeral. Mo Li was devastated by her daughter's death, lamenting that Moxin left without a word. Ye Hongyi expressed his regret for failing to protect Moxin, leading to the Yao family's profound sorrow.
He reiterated that Lady Li, the confessed murderer, and her entire family had been executed. Yao Mowan, with reckless curiosity, questioned how Lady Li poisoned her sister and if any accomplices were involved. Yao Zhenting quickly intervened, apologizing for his daughter's outspokenness. Mo Li then tearfully requested to see Moxin one last time before the burial.
Ye Hongyi refused, explaining that Moxin's body was disfigured by the poison and that seeing her would only cause more grief; it would be better to remember her in her most beautiful form. Ye Hongyi tasked Ye Junqing with receiving the envoys from various countries who would arrive to mourn the Empress. Yao Mowan volunteered to assist, wanting to honor her sister. However, Ye Junqing remained deeply distraught and distracted, neglecting his duties.
When an official sought his advice on the arrangements for the envoys from Shu and Southland, Ye Junqing dismissed him, offering no guidance. Yao Mowan stepped in, advising the official on Shu's preference for spicy and salty cuisine. She then confronted Ye Junqing, calling him irresponsible and urging him to overcome his grief, reminding him that Moxin would never return.
Ye Junqing, consumed by sorrow, retorted that while the dead are gone, the living could no longer resume their normal lives, and told her to stop being a busybody. Later, Yao Mowan found Ye Junqing drinking heavily at his residence. She stayed to care for him when he became intoxicated. The next morning, Ye Junqing woke to find Yao Mowan asleep beside him.
Misunderstanding the situation, he panicked, believing he had taken advantage of her while drunk and dishonored Moxin's memory. Overcome with guilt, he drew his sword, intending to harm himself to atone. Yao Mowan quickly intervened, stopping him and clarifying that nothing untoward had happened; he had simply caught a cold, and she had been looking after him all night. Despite her efforts, Ye Junqing remained inconsolable.
He tearfully recounted how he had fulfilled Moxin's wishes: acknowledging the Emperor, defending the country, and maintaining brotherly harmony. Yet, she had still left him, rendering all his efforts meaningless. Yao Mowan acknowledged Moxin's irreplaceable position in his heart but urged him to live strongly for her sister. She vowed to stay by his side, even if it meant being Moxin's substitute, insisting that her willingness to do so was her own choice, regardless of whether he needed her.
Later, as Ye Junqing and Yao Mowan prepared to receive the envoys at the city gate, Yao Mowan expressed happiness at his improved demeanor. Ye Junqing, in turn, thanked her for her care. Princess Han Yue of Southland arrived with her niece, Princess Duan Ting Ting. Duan Ting Ting immediately greeted Ye Junqing affectionately as "Brother Jun Qing."
A flashback revealed that during a past military campaign, Ye Junqing's soldiers had captured Duan Ting Ting as a hostage to pressure Southland. However, Ye Junqing, believing it was despicable to use a woman as leverage against her father's proud nature, released her, earning her admiration. Duan Ting Ting, still fond of Ye Junqing, brazenly asked if he was married. Yao Mowan intervened, claiming Ye Junqing was already in love with someone else.
Duan Ting Ting dismissed the warning, then accidentally pushed Yao Mowan, causing her to fall. Princess Han Yue helped Yao Mowan up and, upon noticing a distinctive scent, exclaimed "Mo Xin!" A prior flashback revealed that Princess Han Yue had given Yao Moxin a Southland treasure before she entered the palace. This treasure would allow Han Yue to sense Moxin's presence and breath, and protect her in times of danger, anticipating the perilous nature of the harem.
During their audience with Ye Hongyi, Duan Ting Ting boldly proposed a diplomatic marriage between Southland and Great Chu to further strengthen their ties. Ye Junqing, however, firmly rejected the proposal. Yao Mowan once again intervened, indirectly causing Duan Ting Ting to storm off in a huff. Observing the exchange, Han Jinyi grew jealous, mistakenly believing that Yao Mowan and Ye Junqing had feelings for each other.
Ye Junqing clarified that Yao Mowan had merely helped him out and that they were only friends. Suddenly, soldiers surrounded them, announcing that Ye Hongyi had ordered Ye Junqing's arrest for treason, accusing him of conspiring with Shu to usurp the throne.
